At 9.15 (8.15 Central) P. M. our train rolled out of the Grand Union Depot over the Iron Mountain Route, which extends from St. Louis to Texarkana, a distance of 490 miles. St. L. I. M. & S. engine No. 630 is drawing us, with Engineer John Hayes at the throttle, Fireman J. E. Schader, Conductor W. Hall, Brakeman J. L. Thompson, and Baggagemaster M. Madison. We have this engine and crew to Poplar Bluff, 166 miles, with the exception of the baggagemaster, who goes through to Texarkana. There is an inquiry for Brother Reagan; he has not been seen since leaving St. Louis. Our hearts are filled with consternation and alarm, for we believe he has been left, and how can we get along without “Jack; good, jolly, jovial Jack.” Maxwell’s eyes are dimmed with tears of sorrow, and McCarty is wringing his hands in grief. “Let us stop the train and return and get him,” suggested Mrs. Kalkman. “I believe he has been kidnaped,” said Brother Sloane, “or he would never have got left.” “He’s all right; I found him,” shouted Brother Waddington, as he entered the car, and there was great rejoicing when it was learned that instead of being kidnaped and left behind, Brother Reagan was peacefully sleeping in Brother Waddington’s berth in the drawing room in rear of the train.
F. B. DeGarmo, trainmaster of St. Louis, Iron Mountain
